The Federal Government has identified Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Ni­ger, Benue, Kwara, and Oyo as states that may likely witness heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding between September 3 and 7.

This is contained in the Flood Early Warning Sys­tems (FEWS) central hub, released on Sunday by the Federal Ministry of Envi­ronment in Abuja.

The central hub also stated that due to the rise in the water level of Riv­er Benue and River Niger, communities along River Benue and River Niger up to Bayelsa State should also take precautionary measures to avert serious impact.

“The following locations and environs are likely to witness heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding with­in the period of prediction: 3rd – 7th September, 2023.

“Kaduna State: Birnin- Gwari, Kaduna, Saminaka; Kano State: Kunchi, Sumai­la;

Kebbi State: Bagudo Kamba, Kangiwa, Ribah, Shanga; Katsina State: Makira; Niger State: Sar­kin-Pawa, Rijau; Benue State: Katsina-Ala; Kwara State: Kaiama, Bode-Sadu, Kosubosu, and Oyo State: Kisi.

“Also, due to the rise in the water level of River Benue and River Niger, communities along River Benue and River Niger up to Bayelsa State should kindly take precautionary measures”, read the state­ment.

Recall also that the gov­ernment of Cameroon re­cently informed the Fed­eral Government that the Lagdo Dam is being opened in phases into River Benue.

The notification was sent to the National Emer­gency Management Agen­cy (NEMA) through a let­ter signed by Umar Salisu, the Ministry’s Director of African Affairs in Camer­oon.

According to Salisu, the Cameroonian authorities will be releasing “only modulated variable small amount of water at a time.

“According to the note, it is pertinent to note that when the release of water becomes necessary, the authorities of the Lagdo Dam will be releasing only modulated variable small amount of water at a time in order to mitigate and avoid damages that the released water may cause along the River Benue ba­sin in both Cameroon and in Nigeria.

READ ALSO: JMPP Senatorial Candidate Vows To Unseat Akume
“In view of the above, it would be appreciated if the esteemed agency takes all the necessary proactive steps and actions that will mitigate the damage as well as sensitise the popu­lace living in such areas for vigilance and all necessary precautions”.